July 15th Matchbox Ambassador Update: More 2014 sneaks, some news on Sky Busters, and this year’s Gathering auction…

Well, this is a bittersweet day. I have officially submitted my final weekly update as the 8th Matchbox Ambassador. I have one more report to submit following this week’s Matchbox Gathering, and I will share some thoughts then, but this is my last weekly update. It has been quite a run, but I am more than happy to pass the reigns over to Victim #9…

But there is not space for sentiments right now because we have a lot to get to. Mattel has provided me with my last batch of sneaks to cover, and we have some details on the upcoming Gathering, which starts Friday in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Let’s start with the sneaks, plus a little news. As always, these photos are shown with permission from Mattel:

We will start with two singles set to be released in the 2014 range. Have a gander at the 2014 versions of the BMW Police Motorcycle and Urban Tow Truck:

A little tidbit from Mattel on these two: both are slated for a tooling modification later in 2014. I don’t know if that means that these two versions will see the changes, but it is something to look out for. Let’s see who will be the first to notice them…

Now, a little about the Sky Busters Mission Force sets. Up until now, the Mission Force sets have included two Sky Busters vehicles, a Real Working Rig, and a basic Matchbox vehicle. Moving forward, Mission Force sets will no longer include a Real Working Rig. Instead, they will consist of two Sky Busters and three basic vehicles, all with exclusive decos. Here is a partial preview of one of those sets in 2014, the Space Mission Force set: the Shuttle (it can’t called the Space Shuttle without the NASA markings), Express Delivery, and ATV (look for the ED and ATV deco’s in an upcoming 2014 playset as well):

Lastly, some news on a significant change to the Sky Busters line. In an effort to improve the overall aesthetic of the models, the Matchbox team has created new landing gear that will be included on most of the models for 2014. Gone is the awkward metal axle on the rear landing gear, as well as the rivet on the front gear. In their place comes new, more realistic landing gear. They will continue to have tiny wheels that turn, but now on much more realistic gear. If you look closely at the Shuttle above you can see the new gear. Or just take a look at the F-35B in its 2014 deco:

I think we can agree that this is a welcome change and a vast improvement to the overall look of the Sky Busters.

So there you go, my last batch of sneaks provided by Mattel. But I do get a little bonus. The Mattel team is bringing to the Gathering several prototypes of 2013 and 2014 models in various stages of development to show to collectors as part of their presentation. They have granted me permission to photograph them in my little Lamley photo studio, so I will be able to show them to everyone as part of my report on the Gathering next week. I will also be posting photos from the Gathering throughout the weekend here on the Lamley Group blog, so check back often. I will have photos of the exclusive models, auction items, and many other goodies.

Speaking of the Gathering exclusives, Jim Gallegos, the organizer of the MC International Gathering of Friends, has been nice enough to provide us another sneak peek of the Code 1 Exclusive models made by Mattel. Last week we showed the Dinner and Dealer Models, and now we have the world exclusive of the Early Bird Model, the rarest of them all. Only 75 have been made, and it will be given to the lucky 75 first registrants of the Gathering. It is a variant on the Dinner Model. Sit down, because this one is a stunner:

Here is another angle:

Ok, maybe Jim got a little nuts with the crop function on his computer again, but still, a real beauty, eh? You first 75 are VERY lucky…

Alright, finally, some detail on another part of the Gathering that many come to witness: the charity auction to benefit Rachel’s Courtyard, the playground in the sky at the Children’s Center at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Combine a great cause with the nutty collector’s appetite for rarities, and you have one entertaining show. Collectors, including yours truly, come ready to spend. Mattel gets into the action by donating preproduction models and prototypes, and those donations usually fetch the most.

Well Jim has provided this year’s auction list, and it is below for your perusal. There have been some very generous donations from some very generous collectors. There might be some additions as we get closer to the auction, and Jim will make sure those attending will know what they are. There are some great items, starting with Mattel’s donations, pictured below:

It’s gonna be fun. Here are all the donated items, listed by number (Mattel’s are intermixed in):

Agreed that you've been an excellent ambassador and made the hobby even more enjoyable with your blog and the detailed information alongside each batch of Matchbox news! We can only hope the next ambassador is able to live up to the example you've set!

Great job as this year's Ambassador! Looked forward to each of your weekly updates. Hoping for the best in 2014. Wish Mattel would put some more of the Real into the “Real , Action & Adventure” theme.Look forward to seeing you in Albuquerque this weekend! I arrive Thursday, and can barely contain my enthusiasm for the weekend with friends Old & New, while discussing our favorite topic… MATCHBOX! – Scott F.

John, thanks for very much for all of your hard work and dedication to the hobby as well as for keeping us all informed. I'm glad to know that your blog will continue to run even after you pass off the torch to the next ambassador. Thanks again,Sammy Fox

great job this year as the ambassador. the weekly updates were a great improvement post lots of pics from the gathering any news on the real working rigs is much appreciated.im guessing the real working rigs are through because of the mission force news it sucks the real working rigs were the only good reason to look at the pegs every trip to the store instead of just looking for the occasional mainline model